Here’s a thought…
Letter to the Editor: In Support of Proposition 1
We have seen a flurry of opinion pieces telling us to reject any change to our Home Rule Charter. I support the changes recommended by the Charter Review Commission, and want to focus here
Letter to the Editor: Scott Lancaster Has Proven to be Conscientious Official
Island West Residents and Friends, This year's election is approaching soon, and all of us will be faced with some important decisions. One is our choice for our next county council member. I have thought
Letter to the Editor: Reject Props 1 & 2 for the Good of All
What Works Best For The Good of All? 1) Representation – Isn’t it better to actually know your representative? Voting for someone you know, because they live in your community versus having everyone select representatives
Guest Opinion: Proposition 3 Ensures Open Public Subcommittee Meetings
By Moana Kutsche You have probably read a great deal about proposed Charter amendments 1 and 2, but not much about the third proposal. Proposition 3 will ensure better transparency in county government by requiring
Writing Effective Coal Terminal Scoping Letters
By Chom Graecen The Scoping Process for Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point is now in full swing. Yes, we Orcas and SJ residents, have concerns about the potential impacts of our surrounding waters becoming
Letter to the Editor: Charter Review Makes Improvements on Home Rule
Please support the three Charter amendments proposed by the Charter Review Commission (CRC). The Commission was elected by voters to do precisely what they did – review the Home Rule Charter and make recommendations for
Letter to the Editor: Response to Rhea Miller and Kevin Ranker
I admire and look up to both Rhea Miller and Kevin Ranker for their hard work in the past for San Juan County, and for their ongoing commitments. My hat is off to them. I
Letter to the Editor: Citizen-Recommended Charter Refinements Lead to Accountable Gov’t
I urge all to vote "YES" and APPROVE the changes to the County Charter as recommended by the citizen-elected Charter Review Commission. I speak from experience. I have been personally involved with San Juan County
Letter to the Editor: Countywide Elections Illogical; County Manager Needed
Countywide elections are not logical. The current method of voting only in your district ensures that all voters are properly represented on the council. This system provides objective and reasonable representation for all citizens. The
Letter to the Editor: Support Renovation Bond for Safe & Healthy School Environment
I am urging you to support the Orcas Island schools by voting yes on the Orcas Island School District Proposition 1, in the upcoming November 6 election. The Orcas Island School District board has been
Letter to the Editor: Charter Propositions Provide Empowerment
Dear Editor: The suggested changes to the charter provide one thing for each and every citizen of this county—empowerment, and I support all three recommendations. When I was a commissioner, I noticed that few people
Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes to Ban GMOs
Dear Editor, This to express our support for San Juan County Initiative 2012-4, which would prohibit the growing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in open systems such as agriculture and landscaping. Having worked in the
Letter to the Editor: Opposing Coal Terminal, Orcasians Join Conference
Somewhat by chance, last week I found myself participating in...actually, just listening in on...a conference call orchestrated by the outfit in Bellingham, SSA Marine, which will be building and operating the proposed coal export facility
Letter to the Editor: Propositions 1 & 2 Would Create Unfair, Politicized Climate
I am opposed to these Propositions because, unlike what is claimed by the proponents: The fact is that the overwhelming majority of counties in the U.S. have more than 3 Council members Proposition 1 would
Guest Opinion: Legacies Left Behind and the Importance of Initiative 2012-4
By Ken Akopiantz Our generation inherited a world contaminated with PCBs. They were considered as safe as mineral oil and table salt. PCBs were used in hundreds of applications from insulating fluids, plasticizers in
